Punishment came down Monday for what is the early leader in the clubhouse for Dumbest Moment of the College Bowl Season (non-Mike Leach Division) when Colorado State announced it suspended assistant football coach Greg Lupfer for two weeks without pay after he was caught on camera mouthing a homophobic slur during Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque against Washington State.
Lupfer also is required to go through mandatory anger management and diversity training in the sanctions ordered by CSU athletic director Jack Graham.
Lupfer, the defensive line coach, was caught by TV cameras mouthing what appeared to be mouthing a slur at Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday. He had just thrown the first of a record six touchdown passes after a rollout near the CSU bench.
In a statement released by the school, Lupfer said, “I accept these consequences — two weeks without pay and the training programs — and I am thankful for this second chance to continue coaching at Colorado State and be a part of the Ram family.
“I am deeply sorry for my behavior, which does not represent who I am or my values. I embrace the opportunity to participate in anger management and diversity sensitivity training. I was angry and careless with my words, and my words hurt many people. I sincerely apologize to the GLBTQ community for causing pain by using a slur without considering its meaning. I take ownership of my words and fully understand why people are very upset.”
After the game, Halliday told reporters that a coach grabbed him and said “some profane things to me.” Video showed another coach coming between Lupfer and Halliday, but the two did shout at each other.
Colorado State won the game 48-45 when they scored 18 points in the final three minutes, thanks in part to recovering two Cougars fumbles.
YourThoughts